No Man’s Land #1
Creative Team
writer/artist/colorist: SZYMON KUDRAŃSKI
letterer: D.C. HOPKINS
publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Reviewed by Rossano D’Angelo
In No Man’s Land #1, writer and artist Szymon Kudrański takes readers into the heart of the Cold War with a chilling story that blends political intrigue and the tense equilibrium of global powers with the suspense of a murder mystery thriller.
Kevin Collins is an FBI agent on the verge of a well-earned early retirement. For twenty years - ever since World War II—he has dedicated his life to serving his country, but now he’s ready to turn his attention to his family. Just as he prepares to hand in his retirement letter, FBI Director Stephen Harris assigns him one final case: a threat to national security. A young woman has been found dead in No Man’s Land, the desolate strip of territory between Alaska and Siberia where neither the U.S. nor the USSR holds jurisdiction. Collins must travel there, uncover the truth behind the murder—and do so before the KGB agent the Soviets have already dispatched gets to it first.
Kudrański’s artwork feels very realistic and fits the story perfectly. The dark tones and heavy shadows create a grim atmosphere that matches the Cold War setting. His use of expressions and body language adds to the tension, often telling the reader as much as the words do. The style is heavy, but it works well in building the uneasy mood of the story.
Final Verdict
For readers fascinated by the atmosphere of the Cold War—or simply those who enjoy gripping, thriller-style graphic novels, No Man’s Land is a must-read. With its blend of espionage, political intrigue, and murder mystery, it delivers a story that feels both chillingly real and irresistibly suspenseful.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.5 |
| Story/Plot | 9.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 10 |
| Colors | 10 |
| Final Score | 9.8/10 |